Castable infrared illuminant compositions

a technology of infrared illumination and compositions, which is applied in the field of infrared illumination compositions, can solve the problems of high visible light output, severe limit the amount of fuels that can be used, etc., and achieve the effects of poor high temperature aging, low burn rate, and little visible ligh
US6190475B1Inactive Publication Date: 2001-02-20NORTHROP GRUMMAN INNOVATION SYST INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US ยท United States
Patent Type
Patents(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
NORTHROP GRUMMAN INNOVATION SYST INC
Publication Date
2001-02-20
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable ยท inactive patent

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Abstract

Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred. Examples of such polymers include polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, and polyamines.
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Description

1. The Field of the InventionThe present invention is related to illuminant compositions which emit significant quantities of infrared radiation. More particularly, the present invention is related to castable infrared illuminant compositions which exhibit high initial burn rates, burn cleanly, and emit relatively small quantities of visible light in proportion to the infrared radiation emitted.2. Technical BackgroundThere is a need in various situations for an ability to see clearly at night, or during periods of substantially reduced sunlight. Such situations may, for example, include search and rescue operations, police surveillance, and military operations. In these types of situations, it is often important that key personnel have the ability to see clearly, even though there is limited sunlight.In order to solve the problem of visibility at night, or during periods of substantially reduced sunlight, devices have been developed which allow one to see based upon available infrar...

Claims

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